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SKC EPAM-5000 User Manual
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SKC EPAM-5000 User Manual

Environmental particulate air monitor
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USER’S GUIDE
SKC
ENVIRONMENTAL PARTICULATE
AIR MONITOR
MODEL SKC EPAM-5000
DOC# HD50706
SKC Inc.
863 Valley View Road
Eighty Four, PA 15330
Phone: (724) 941-9704
Fax: (724) 941-1369
Manufactured By: Environmental Devices Corporation

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Summary of Contents for SKC EPAM-5000

  • Page 1 USER’S GUIDE ENVIRONMENTAL PARTICULATE AIR MONITOR MODEL SKC EPAM-5000 DOC# HD50706 SKC Inc. 863 Valley View Road Eighty Four, PA 15330 Phone: (724) 941-9704 Fax: (724) 941-1369 Manufactured By: Environmental Devices Corporation...
  • Page 2 Model SKC EPAM-5000 User’s Guide...
  • Page 3 Licenses, Copyrights and Trademarks This documentation contains trade secrets and confidential information proprietary to Environmental Devices Corporation (EDC). The software supplied with the instrumentation, documentation and any information contained therein may not be used, duplicated or disclosed to anyone, in whole or in part, other than as authorized in a fully executed EDC End User License or with the express written permission of EDC.
  • Page 4 Safety Notice Repair of instrumentation supplied by Environmental Devices Corporation (EDC) should only be attempted by properly trained service personnel, and should only be conducted in accordance with the EDC system documentation. Do not tamper with this hardware. High voltages may be present in all instrument enclosures.
  • Page 5 Warranty Environmental Devices Corporation (EDC) warrants only non-expendable products (expendable items include batteries disposable filters and cassettes or other consumables), parts and labor, for a period of one year from date of shipment to the original purchaser. The warranty covers only product parts and labor that failed due to normal operation of the instrument and not due to abuse or negligence.
  • Page 6 Real-Time Dust Monitoring Principles ......................1-6 Features ................................1-7 Specifications ..............................1-8 Components................................ 1-9 Chapter 2 - Operating Parameters of the SKC EPAM-5000 ................2-1 Turning the SKC EPAM-5000 On and Off......................2-2 Using the Menu ..............................2-3 Setting the Date and Time ..........................2-4 Setting the Alarm..............................
  • Page 7 Flow Rate Not Achievable ..........................6-5 Inability to Download Data to PC ........................6-6 Appendix A - Menu Screens ...........................A-1 Appendix B - NIOSH/OSHA Particulate Air Monitoring Reference ..............B-1 Appendix C - Glossary of Terms..........................C-1 Appendix D - SKC EPAM-5000 Accessories ......................D-1...
  • Page 8 Chapter 1 - Introduction to Model SKC EPAM-5000...
  • Page 9 Chapter 1 Introduction to Model SKC EPAM-5000 Chapter Overview Introduction This chapter gives a complete overview of Model SKC EPAM-5000. This chapter: Introduces and describes EPAM-5000. Explains operating principles of the EPAM-5000. Identifies features, specifications and components of EPAM-5000. In this chapter This chapter contains the following topics.
  • Page 10 Introduction to the SKC EPAM-5000 Introduction The SKC EPAM-5000 is a high sensitivity real-time particulate monitor designed for ambient environmental and indoor air quality applications. This unit combines traditional filter techniques with real-time monitoring methods. These techniques combined overcome limitations of all other aerosol monitoring products.
  • Page 11 Dust particles are drawn into the sensor head and are detected once every real-time second. Dust concentrations are instantaneously calculated and displayed on method the SKC EPAM-5000’s LCD. All data points are stored in memory for later analysis. Advantages of Immediate estimations of the concentration of a contaminant, permitting real-time on-site evaluations.
  • Page 12 The SKC EPAM-5000 is calibrated using Arizona Road Dust (ARD) against NIOSH method 0600 for Respirable dust with a + 10% accuracy. The calibration of the SKC EPAM-5000 can be adjusted to compensate for changes in particle composition and distribution.
  • Page 13 Overview of the SKC EPAM-5000, Continued DustComm Pro DustComm Pro supplied software is designed for more detailed analysis of Software sampled data. Pull down menus provide for a user friendly environment to store and analyze data and print management ready reports...
  • Page 14 A unique signal processes internally and compensates for noise and drift. This allows high resolution, low detection limits and excellent base line stability. Figure 1.5. Diagram showing the principle of near-forward light scattering used in the SKC EPAM-5000. Light Scattering vs. Gravimetric Filter...
  • Page 15 Features The EPAM-5000 provides a unique combination of features to provide Introduction superior data quality, ease of use, and flexibility to the user. Below is a partial list of distinctive features. Real-time Particulate exposure levels. display of TWA, STEL, Min, and Max levels.
  • Page 16 Specifications The EPAM-5000 meets the following specifications. Introduction Specifications Display: Large alphanumeric LCD- 4 line, 20-character display Operation: Four key splash proof membrane switch – menu driven Calibration: NIOSH gravimetric method Sensing range: .001-20.0 mg/m .01-200.0 mg/m (optional) Particle size range: 0.1-100 µm Precision: +/- 0.003 mg/m...
  • Page 17 Components The following components ship with the SKC EPAM-5000. Components SKC EPAM-5000 Monitor. Rechargeable battery pack. Battery charger. Trimming tool. EPAM Media CD-ROM Includes: DustComm Pro Software and Instruction Manual. RS232 9-pin serial cable (female to male). TSP Sampling inlet (1.0 µm, 2.5 µm, or 10 µm sampling inlet optional.
  • Page 18 Chapter 2 - Operating Parameters of the SKC EPAM-5000...
  • Page 19 Operating Parameters of the EPAM-5000 Chapter Overview Introduction This chapter describes the steps involved in starting the EPAM-5000 and configuring its operating parameters. Note: The EPAM-5000 is preprogrammed with default settings of 1 minute Sampling rate. If user desires not to change default settings then the user only needs to turn unit on and press enter button to run monitor.
  • Page 20 Power-On Press the ON/OFF key to turn the EPAM-5000 monitor on. Result: The unit will turn on and the Title Screen will appear. Power-Off Press the ON/OFF key a second time to turn the SKC EPAM-5000 off. Arrow Down Keypad...
  • Page 21 Using the Menu Introduction The EPAM-5000 menu appears on the 4x20-character liquid crystal display (LCD). Note: See Appendix A for menu option flow charts. Accessing the Press ENTER from the Title Screen to access the Main Menu. main menu Using the menu The EPAM-5000 is operated using the following menu selections.
  • Page 22 Setting the Date and Time The date and time are pre-set by the factory to Eastern Standard Time and are Introduction maintained by an internal clock. It may be necessary to change the date and time due to local time zones or daylight savings time. Note: It is important that the system date and time are correct for accurate record keeping.
  • Page 23 Setting the Alarm Introduction An audible alarm can be set to alert the worker of approaching threshold limits. Alarm settings The concentration level must be set to the defined agency standard for the particulate type being sampled. Note: See Appendix B for a partial listing of the most common dust particulates and their corresponding concentration levels.
  • Page 24 The memory of the EPAM-5000 can be cleared at any time. Introduction Note: All data points in all locations will be deleted from memory. Clearing Follow the steps in the table below to clear the memory of the EPAM-5000. memory Step Action Select Special Functions from the Main Menu.
  • Page 25 Chapter 3 - Operating the SKC EPAM-5000...
  • Page 26 Chapter 3 Operating the SKC EPAM-5000 Chapter Overview Introduction This chapter describes and diagrams operation procedures of the EPAM- 5000. In this chapter This chapter contains the following topics. Topic See Page Selecting the Particle Size: 1.0 micron Dust Particulates 2.5 micron Dust Particulates...
  • Page 27 Selecting The Particle Size The inlet system of the SKC EPAM-5000 can be configured to sample TSP, Introduction PM 1.0, 2.5, 10.0 µm dust particulates. The following pages detail the selection process for each of these particle types. Impactor Sleeve holds one optional accessory.
  • Page 28 See page 5-5 for information on checking the flow rate. Attach the filter cassette to the sensor head of the EPAM-5000. See diagram below. Turn to page 3-7 and follow the instructions to Manual-Zero the EPAM-5000.
  • Page 29 2.5um Dust Particulates Note: 2.5-µm size select is the default setting of the EPAM-5000. Follow the steps in the table below to select PM2.5 dust particulates. Step Action Select Special Functions from the Main Menu. Select System Options. Select Extended Options.
  • Page 30 10um Dust Particulates When using the SKC EPAM-5000 monitor for PM-10 sampling a suitable entry must be used. Selecting PM- Follow the steps in the table below to select PM-10 dust particulates. Step Action Select Special Functions from the Main Menu.
  • Page 31 Auto-Zero purging feature automatically adjusts for baseline drift due to Introduction severe ambient temperature change. This feature is a default setting on the EPAM-5000. The Auto-Zero feature purges the sensor optics with clean air and re- establishes the baseline every 30 minutes.
  • Page 32 Note: If using the Auto-Zero setting (default) the EPAM-5000 automatically zeroes baseline every 30 minutes. Manual-Zero Follow the steps in the table below to Manual-Zero the EPAM-5000. Note: The battery should be fully charged. Check battery status as described in Chapter 5 Section 8.
  • Page 33 Result: The Main Menu is displayed when the manual-zero process is complete. Notes: The EPAM-5000 has an auto zero purging feature that automatically purges the sensor and performs an auto zero to reestablish the baseline approximately every 30 minutes. An X inside a box appears in right hand corner of the display when the instrument is auto zeroing.
  • Page 34 Sampling Once you have selected a Particle Size and completed the Manual-Zero Introduction process the EPAM-5000 is ready to begin sampling. Conditions The following conditions should be met before starting the sampling process. Condition... For further Information See Page... The correct particle size must be selected.
  • Page 35 Sampling, Continued Sample and record the data using the table below. To Sample... Select... Without the alarm feature With the alarm feature Alm-Continue Results: The internal pump is activated and the sampling process begins. The Run Screen is displayed. Note: Maximum sampling time is based on the sampling interval selected in step number two.
  • Page 36 Press ENTER to stop data collection and return to the Main Menu. Sampling process Note: The EPAM-5000 default settings are for a size select of 2.5 µm, 1 min. sample rate with auto zero purge on. Selecting the Follow the steps in the table below to select the sample rate.
  • Page 37 The active location is indicated in the Data Record Screen (See figure 3.10). Maximum The EPAM-5000 can store a total of 21,600 data points, which can be location codes distributed into a maximum of 999 locations. The location code assigned to the site is determined by the memory storage...
  • Page 38 Reviewing Stored Data Introduction The EPAM-5000 provides extensive capabilities for reviewing internally stored data and statistics on the LCD or downloading to a PC using DustComm Pro Software (Chapter 4). LCD display The following information can be displayed on the LCD.
  • Page 39 Reviewing Stored Data, Continued Enter the desired Location in the Location Select Screen using the table below. To... Press... Increase the value of the selected digit. < > Decrease the value of the selected digit. < > Select the next digit or field. ENTER Press ENTER when the desired location code has been entered.
  • Page 40 Chapter 4 – DustComm Pro V.1.2...
  • Page 41 DustComm is a powerful and flexible Windows application software package Introduction designed for use with the SKC EPAM-5000 Monitor. DustComm is both communications software that enables stored project data to be downloaded to a PC, and a data manipulation tool, enabling detailed analysis and reporting of sampled data.
  • Page 42 Installing DustComm DustComm installation is easy and quick, the entire process should take less Introduction than 5 minutes. Minimum Windows ME or Higher. system 4 MB available disk space. requirements 8 MB RAM. Software Follow the steps in the table below to install DustComm. installation Note: It is assumed that the CD-Rom Drive is the “D”...
  • Page 43 Loading the DustComm Software Follow the steps in the table below to load the DustComm software if using Windows ME Windows ME. Step Action Select the Start Menu. Select Programs. Select the folder EDC DustComm Pro 1.2 Select DustComm Pro 1.2 Windows NT, Follow the steps in the table below to load the DustComm Software if using 2000 &...
  • Page 44 Menu Selections Introduction Figures 3 through 5 show each of the DustComm menu options. Note: If a menu option is displayed in light type it is not available during the current task. Opens Saved Files Saves Current Open Files if changed Saves Current Open Files, that have not yet been saved Closes Open Files Saves Current Open Files as a text file, so that you can...
  • Page 45 File Menu Commands Use the File Menu option to open, save, print, close and export sampled data. Introduction You can also use the File Menu to Exit the DustComm Pro Software Notes: Data is sorted by time collected. Data points are reported in mg/m Opening an Follow the steps in the table below to retrieve stored project data.
  • Page 46 File Menu Commands, Continued Exit software Exit DustComm Pro Software in one of two ways. Option Action number 1. Select File. 2. Select Exit. Single click on the “X” in the upper right hand corner of the screen. 4- 7...
  • Page 47 Downloading Data Internally stored data can be downloaded to DustComm for detailed analysis. Introduction The three major steps used to download data from the dust-monitoring unit to Downloading data a PC are listed below and detailed in the next few pages. 1.
  • Page 48 Downloading Data, Continued Follow the steps in the table below to prepare the unit for data transmission. Preparing the unit. Step Action Select Playback or Review Data (depending on your instrument) from the Main Menu on the unit. Select Download. Select To Dust Data Collector.
  • Page 49 DustComm Pro Window Each section of the DustComm Pro Window will explain a different part of Introduction the statistics. Location The Location information will give you general details about the Information downloading statistics. Such as date, time, start/stop time, data rate, duration, how many samples where downloaded and the unit.
  • Page 50 DustComm Pro Window, Continued Dataset Scale The dataset scale factor section of the DustComm Pro Window, is so that you Factor can adjust the scale to be equal to your specific type of dust. You can read more about adjusting the scale factor on page15. Figure 11.
  • Page 51 DustComm Pro Window, Continued The location data section shows you the milligrams per cubic meter you Location Data sampled for and the times that they were sampled at. Figure 13. Location Data on the DustComm Pro Window. 4- 12...
  • Page 52 Translating Data to an ASCII Text File Project Data must be translated into ASCII text format before it can be read Introduction by a spreadsheet application. Translating Follow the steps in the table below to Translate Project Data into ASCII Text data format.
  • Page 53 Generating a Plot A graph can be plotted with full plot located at the bottom of the DustComm Introduction Pro Window. Generating a Follow the steps in the table below to generate a graph using the DustComm graph Plot menu selections. Step Action Select Plot.
  • Page 54 Data Plot Menu Selections Introduction At the top of the data plot will be a button bar. Below is an explanation of what each button does. Number Function Saves plotted information as a DustComm Pro Chart (*.dcc). Copies plot to a bitmap file. Edits the title of the plot.
  • Page 55 Data Plot Menu Selections, Continued 15 16 17 18 Number Function Pointer tool. Insert Squares. Insert Ovals. Insert arrows. Insert arched lines. Insert a picture. Choose the size of your picture and then right click on the box and select properties. Select the picture tab and select picture.
  • Page 56 Editing Title A customized title can be added to a graph before printing. Introduction Follow the steps in the table below to add a title to the graph. Editing the title Step Action Have location plotted already. Select the Edit Title button on the menu bar. A Window will appear where you can edit the title for what you would like its name to be.
  • Page 57 Applying a Correction Factor A correction factor can be applied to the data collected with the unit to Introduction account for variances in gravimetric readings. Calculating a The correction factor is calculated by dividing the Gravimetric reading by the correction unit reading.
  • Page 58 If the previous steps check out, try using the Windows supplied HyperTerminal or other appropriately configured communications software to receive data when downloading from the SKC EPAM-5000 Monitor. If using a USB port make sure you are using the proper USB to serial adapter.
  • Page 59 Chapter 5 - Maintenance...
  • Page 60 Chapter 5 Maintenance Chapter Overview Introduction This chapter covers the routine maintenance procedures for the SKC EPAM- 5000. In this chapter This chapter contains the following topics. Topic See Page Checking the Calibration Span. (Optional Accessory). Checking the Flow Rate.
  • Page 61 If the EPAM-5000 is dropped or otherwise damaged. The first time you use the unit to double check the factory calibration. Note: The EPAM-5000 can be sent to SKC. Annually recalibration recommended in accordance with ISO and NIST procedures. Conditions The following conditions must be met before checking the calibration span.
  • Page 62 Checking the Calibration Span, Continued Checking Follow the steps in the table below to check the Span of the EPAM-5000 Calibration Monitor. Span Note: Failure to follow this procedure in its entirety may cause an incorrect “k” value reading. Step Action Turn monitor on.
  • Page 63 Checking the Calibration Span, Continued THEN The numbers agree The EPAM-5000 has passed the span within + 10% check test. The two numbers 1. Repeat the process to rule out error, do not agree within then + 10%. 2. Call or e-mail EDC technical support or return the EPAM-5000 for recalibration.
  • Page 64 When using an impactor, be sure the proper sampling inlet is attached to the sensor head. Step Action Attach your airflow calibrator to the EPAM-5000 using the table below. If sampling... Then... PM-10, PM- 1. Attach one end of the calibration airflow 2.5, PM-1.0 or...
  • Page 65 Adjusting the Follow the steps in the table below to adjust the flow rate. flow rate Locate the adjustment screw on the front of the EPAM-5000. Use the flow adjustment screw to adjust the flow rate. To... Turn the adjustment screw...
  • Page 66 Battery Maintenance Introduction The battery pack is a 6.0-volt lead acid rechargeable battery that can hold a charge for up to 24 hours. It is important to check the battery periodically and recharge when necessary. Checking the The battery status can be checked using the menu options on the EPAM- Battery 5000.
  • Page 67 Note: Recharging time is approximately 22 hours when the instrument is not operating, and approximately 24 hours while the monitor is sampling. Do not charge in a hazardous environment. Use only CAUTION: the EDC approved charger designed for the EPAM-5000. Continued on next page 5 - 9...
  • Page 68 The battery pack can be removed and replaced whenever necessary. replacing the battery pack Note: The battery of the EPAM-5000 can be recharged outside of the instrument. Removing the Follow the steps in the table below to remove the battery pack.
  • Page 69 Cleaning the Impactors Introduction Impactors should be disassembled and cleaned and greased at regular intervals. Example: You should clean impactors every thirtieth sample or once a month to start, but heavy loadings are observed on the target disk, as often as appropriate.
  • Page 70 Cleaning the Sensor Optics Introduction Although the EPAM-5000 has an internal sensor purge it is important to keep the sensor optics of the EPAM-5000 clean to ensure the integrity of the optical sensor. The sensor optics need to be checked every 2 months or on a weekly basis, when used in a 2 to 3 mg/m T.W.A.
  • Page 71 CAUTION: Do not spill any alcohol into the internal cavity of the EPAM-5000. Replace the sensor cover. Tighten the thumbscrews snugly into place. NOTE: If thumbscrews are not tighten enough the flow of the EPAM-5000 could be off. Continued on next page 5 - 13...
  • Page 72 Cleaning the Sensor Optics, Continued Figure 5-5. Removing the sensor covers. Figure 5-6. Dust being removed with low One cover located in front as shown in pressure air. picture, the other cover is located on the right side of sensor not shown. Figure 5-7.
  • Page 73 Chapter 6 - Troubleshooting...
  • Page 74 Chapter 6 Troubleshooting Chapter Overview Introduction This chapter provides basic troubleshooting procedures for potential operating issues. In this chapter This chapter contains the following topics. Topic See Page If Instrument Does not Respond If Memory Full Appears on Display. Flow Rate Not Achievable Inability to Download Data to PC.
  • Page 75 If Instrument Does Not Respond Check the following items if the EPAM-5000 Monitor’s LCD display is Introduction incomplete, or the display and keypad are “locked up”. Step Action If the LCD display turns on, check the battery’s voltage. (Chapter 5 Section 5-8) A depleted battery will show a charge level of 5.95...
  • Page 76 If Instrument Does Not Respond, continued Lift the sensor to reach the reset switch. Reset Switch push in to reset. Figure 6-2: Reset switch 6 - 3...
  • Page 77 If Memory Full Appears on Display Step Action Clear the memory as described in Chapter 2 page 2-6. Lithium battery may have to be replaced. Please consult EDC certified technicians. Batteries are covered 90 days under warranty. 6 - 4...
  • Page 78 Flow Rate Not Achievable Perform the following checks if the flow rate of 4 LPM is not attainable. Air flow meter must be vertical to ensure accurate measurements. Air intake tubing is attached to filter cassette. Air may be leaking from the sensor covers on the front and right side of optical sensor of the monitor.
  • Page 79 If the previous steps check out, try using the Windows -supplied HyperTerminal or other appropriately configured communications software to receive data when downloading from the EPAM-5000 Monitor. If software does not install properly: Ensure DustComm Pro Software is being installed on the C: Drive EPAM5000 Subdirectory.
  • Page 80 Appendix...
  • Page 81 Menu Screens Introduction This Appendix contains a complete overview of the Menu Screens for the EPAM-5000. The following pages show diagrams of the Main Menu Screens, the Run Screens, the Review Data Screens, and the Special Functions Screens. Note: Selecting CANCEL from any Menu Screen will back out of the...
  • Page 82 Appendix A Main Screens EPAM-5000 Particulate Air Monitor E.D.C. Ver 1.5 2/00 Title Sceen Review Data Special Functions Span Check Main Menu Run - continue System Options Run - overwrite Date/Time Statistics ALM - continue Set Alarm Download ALM - overwrite...
  • Page 83 Appendix A Sample/Record Screens EPAM-5000 Particulate Air Monitor E.D.C. Ver 1.5 2/00 Title Screen Review Data Special Functions Span Check Main Menu Run - continue Run - overwrite Alm - continue Alm - overwrite Run Screen * Confirm overwrite of data...
  • Page 84 Appendix A Playback Screens EPAM-5000 Particulate Air Monitor E.D.C. Ver 1.5 2/00 Title Screen Review Data Special Functions Span Check Main Menu Statistics Download Cancel Review Data Screen ***************************** Scanning memory ****************************** Scanning Memory Screen Tag: 002 *STATS* Date: Tues 26-JAN-97...
  • Page 85 Appendix A Special Functions Screens EPAM-5000 View Date/Time Particulate Set Date/Time Air Monitor Cancel E.D.C. Ver 1.5 2/00 Title Screen Date/Time ** Current ** Review Data Date: TUES 19-JAN-97 Special Functions Time: 21:12:55 Span Check Main Menu View Date/Time System Options...
  • Page 86 Appendix B NIOSH/OSHA Particulate Air Monitoring Reference Dust/Hazard Agency Reference TWA STEL alpha-Alumina (Respirable fraction) OSHA 5 mg/m alpha-Alumina (Total dust) OSHA 15 mg/m Aluminum, Pyro powders OSHA Aluminum (Respirable fraction) 5 mg/m Ammonium nitrate OSHA Ammonium sulfamate (Respirable dust) OSHA 5 mg/m Ammonium sulfamate (Total dust)
  • Page 87 NIOSH/OSHA Particulate Air Monitoring Reference, Continued Dust/Hazard Agency Reference TWA STEL Crag herbicide (Respirable dust) OSHA 5 mg/m Crag herbicide (Total dust) NIOSH 5(S356) 10 mg/m Crag herbicide (Total dust) OSHA 15 mg/m Cresol, All isomers NIOSH 2546 10 mg/m Cresol, All isomers OSHA 15 mg/m...
  • Page 88 NIOSH/OSHA Particulate Air Monitoring Reference, Continued Dust/Hazard Agency Reference TWA STEL Picloram (Tordon), Respirable dust OSHA 5 mg/m Picloram (Tordon), Total dust OSHA 15 mg/m Plaster of Paris (see Dust, Respirable OSHA nuisance) Portland cement (Respirable dust) OSHA ID 142 5 mg/m Portland cement (Total dust) OSHA...
  • Page 89 Appendix C Glossary of Terms Term Definition/Standard µm Micron, 1/1000 of a meter. Arizona Road Dust Inhalable Dust Particulates having a 50% cut point at 100µm. Particulates Liters per minute. mg/m Milligrams per cubic meter. NIOSH National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health OSHA Occupational Safety &...
  • Page 90 Appendix D EPAM-5000 Accessories Overview Introduction Accessories may be purchased separately for the EPAM-5000. Accessory and Use the part number from the table below to order EPAM-5000 accessories. part number Accessory Part Number 110 V BC-105-110 220 V BC-105-220 47mm EPA FRM Sty b Cassette...